Yes, I've been silent...

I have been silent the past few days, because they have been a time of recollection and travel for me which usually means my journaling is inappropriate for the public venue, blogging about current events, no matter how important, seemed inappropriate, or I stayed too busy to even consider blogging. So, contrary to my best inclinations, I fell silent here.

During my travels slightly north, I met with a dear priest I met shortly after his ordination. During our meeting, he reaffirmed my desire to pick up a copy of The Dialogue by St. Catherine of Siena. WOW! I started reading The Dialogue on Monday and have become spell bound. This is one book that I do not want to put down although it can be moderately difficult reading. It is easier to read than most of the works by St. Thomas Aquinas. Afterwards, I spent almost an hour in Eucharistic Adoration which was a fitting end to the morning.

From here, I had a pleasant lunch and then headed southwest to visit my dear friend Gigs and her family. As always, I find visiting them a real pleasure and I sincerely hope they enjoyed my visit too. Friday evening was spent with her hubby’s family having a joint birthday dinner for him and his father and once the boys were put to bed us girls had a movie night. Unfortunately, I woke up almost half the household when I screamed as a big flying palmetto bug took flight while I was trying to unwind during the wee hours of Saturday morning. Later Saturday morning I had a blast making breakfast for them and afterwards Gigs and I went to see The Bourne Ultimatum. As my life often proves, the best laid plans fall flat, because I did not return home until Sunday morning. All in all, I had a wonderful weekend and hope that I did not wear out my welcome with my dear friend and family.

As for our movie viewing, in addition to viewing The Bourne Ultimatum on the big screen, we watched Breach, Because I Said So, and What A Girl Wants on DVD. Given the big screen history of the Bourne Trilogy movies, The Bourne Ultimatum was true to form – pretty good viewing and special effects, but so far off track from the books that it is probably best if you have not read the books. Here is where two of my biggest pet peeves in movies come out, stop making the lead female into watered down or weaker versions of the original leading lady and stop messing up the story line. This is not the time or place for a full review of the Bourne Trilogy, so I’ll stop here.

Breach was good as far it goes, but just another one of those movies that make Christians, especially Catholics look bad. The bad guys tend to be overzealous and false Christians while the good guys are non-practicing, if not disdainful of Christianity. As a Catholic, I found this movie difficult to chew, because, of course, not only did he have to be an overzealous Catholic, he had to be attached to the extraordinary form of Mass, daily Mass, frequent confession, and was a proponent of natural family planning. Honestly, if I did not know the truth about Christianity, this movie would turn me against Christianity. Heck, it almost did as a person committed to a relationship with Christ.

Because I Said So was more than a letdown, it was disgusting. The modern lack of boundaries and respect showed all the way through. This is an example of why I try to screen movies before watching them.

What A Girl Wants was a sweet movie about a girl’s quest to find her father before entering college with a bit of romance thrown in. Of course, the evil stepmom and stepsister were introduced although they lost out in the end – as is true in most fairy tale style movies.

US Patriot Act, Colds, Medication, and Wiretaps

Yes, yes, the US Patriot Act has an impact on all of these issues. If you have cold, don't plan on going to your local grocery store or Wal-mart after the pharmacy has closed to purchase Sudafed or the equivalents, because you won't be able to purchase what you're looking for.

Maybe you remember this post, and maybe you don't, but I am not a fan of the current restrictions of pseudoephedrine first enacted by state governments and now enacted by the federal government. Granted, I am not a person that supports illegal drug use or manufacture; however, I believe there must be a better way to handle this situation that does not infringe on my privacy. Why does the government need a record of when and how much psuedophedrine I purchase? This may act as a deterent, but I still believe this is senseless government intervention and the easy way out of actually pursuing those who produce smaller amounts. My biggest concern with this subject is the fact it is part of the US Patriot Act, which I am not a fan of as shown by this post, as the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 (CMEA).

Any who, why does this need to be part of the Patriot Act? Wasn't the Patriot Act suppose to protect us from terrorists? My original concerns regarding the infringement of personal rights continue to grow with each new enactment of the Patriot Act. Each time I must show my driver's license to purchase cold medicine, three times each month as forced by as law, I wonder how much farther this insanity is going to go. Do they really believe those who have wrong motives are going to readily share their information with the government? The truth is, NO! So, who are they actually managing to collect data on? The innocent person with allergies or other congestion problems that require daily treatment. Yes, they have a new alternative out, but it does not work for everyone. So what, I don't have anything to hide, but why does that mean I must be entered into a data base that mainly obtaining information regarding the law abiding person?

When are we going to quit giving our government control over our lives? We have given our government the power of Big Brother and, frankly, we will not get back the freedoms we have lost. The most recent debate over wiretapping transcontinental phone calls is just another example.

Now, our government only needs to "reasonably believe" a person is not on USA soil instead of knowing at least one of the parties is abroad to utilize warrantless wiretapping or "eavesdropping". Hello? At this rate, where will we draw the line next? Many may say, that this administration has not abused the US Patriot Act, but what will stop of next administration from abusing it? What will stop prolife activities or religious activities or even let's say movements against homosexuality and homosexual unions from being added to the list of terrorist activities or otherwise monitored just like the purchase of pseudoephedrine?

The Duties of a Sacristan

This book spells out that the sacristan, always under the general direction of the clergy, undertakes the overall preparation of liturgical celebrations, including all that is needed for special days such as Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday.

The sacristan thus arranges the books needed for the celebration, marking all of the divisions. He or she lays out the vestments and anything else needed for the celebration, such as cruets, chalices, ciboria, linens, oils, processional crosses, candles and torches.

He or she also takes care of the ringing of bells that announce the celebrations. The sacristan should ensure the observance of silence in the sacristy.

The sacristan in harmony with the pastor also makes sure that the vestments, church furnishings, liturgical vessels and decorative objects are kept in good condition and, if necessary, sent for gilding or repair.

Other practical indications apart from these official recommendations are that the sacristan ensures that the things necessary for worship are always available. There should be a ready supply of fresh hosts and of duly authorized wine, sufficient clean purificators, corporals, hand towels, incense and coals.

In this context the sacristan is responsible for making sure that those who wash the altar linens do so according to the indications of the missal and that the water for the first wash is poured down the sacrarium or to the earth. The sacristan also takes care of burning old linens and other objects that are no longer suitable for liturgical use.

He or she also makes sure that the sanctuary lamp has sufficient oil, that the altar cloths are changed regularly, and that the holy water stoups are clean and replenished frequently.

The pastor may also decide to entrust other responsibilities to the sacristan.

Source: Zenit - The World Seen From Rome

My favorite item in this article was the statement that the sacristan should ensure that silence is maintained in the sanctuary. I would love to see this actually happen. There are few parishes where this is actually practiced especially before Mass when altar servers are being trained in their duties. Maybe scheduling more frequent altar server practices would assist with this issue.

Current Media Headlines

Cardinal decries amnesty's abortion policy.
Source: Zenit

Catholic schools too expensive?
Source: Catholic World News

Sexual abuser protected during landmark abortion case
Source: Catholic World News

Rate cut in the works?
Source: Christian Science Monitor

Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.

These are strong words, words given to us by Christ himself in our gospel reading Sunday that we often forget in our daily lives as Christians. What does our Holy Father, our papa, have to say? Let's see.

Those words are a reminder that Christ's followers will always encounter conflict, the Pope said. Anyone who has the courage to pursue "truth without compromise" will meet with opposition and perhaps even outright persecution.
Christ is the source of peace for His followers, the Pope continued, and those who embrace the Lord's words without reservation will imitate Him by resolutely rejecting evil. In that way they may become, like St. Francis of Assisi, "instruments of His peace"-- not because they avoid conflict but because they overcome evil with good.
Pope Benedict concluded his short meditation on the Gospel by noting that the Virgin Mary, the Queen of Peace, did not avoid conflict but shared fully in her Son's mission, always acting so as to reflect divine grace, and "never giving in to compromise with evil."
Source: Catholic World News

What does this tell us? As followers of Christ, we cannot expect the easy life as mentioned in this post and never compromising will lead to His peace -- the peace promised us.

The Bourne Ultimatum

With the release of the The Bourne Ultimatum, the Bourne trilogy, as shown on the big screen, is coming to an end. Friday, I plan on viewing the final part of this trilogy with my dear friend Gigs in Columbia. We have see the first two parts of the trilogy together so we figured, what the heck, we should make an effort to see the grand finale.

I have not been keeping up on what is showing on the big screen, because I have grown acutely sensitive to the level of violence, lack of morals, and profanity displayed by most modern movies. However, it seems like I should take in this show on the big screen although the USCCB review cites, "much intense and fierce violence and intermittent profanity." For me, this movie is a bit like Harry Potter has been for many people. I want to see how it ends on the big screen although I was disappointed by the adaptations made to the first two parts of the trilogy. It is time for Bourne to get his answers after cycling through confused to revengeful and I want to see what answers he is given on the big screen. Will they be the same as the book or will they make the same types of adaptation they made for the other films? Time will tell and I will post a review after taking in the flick.

On another note, pray for me Friday while I travel to Myrtle Beach to meet with a priest friend of mine and then to Columbia. If I can, I will post Friday, but I will probably double post on Saturday. PAX!

Observing the Importance of Sundays.

This blogger will not be posting on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation; posts regarding the liturgical calendar will be made the day before. When an event that needs prayer or immediate attention occurs, this blogger will post, but will otherwise ensure this day is truly reserved for our Lord. Have a blessed Sunday. I will see you Monday!

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Hebrews 12: 1 - 4

This scripture is a powerful reminder of our call as Christians. This is not a life that can be lived halfheartedly or when it strikes us as feeling it. It is a life that must be led during the hardest times and the easiest times. Our faith is proven when we live our lives faithfully during the tough times. The easy times, the periods of consolations, are meant to be the milk or maybe we could say the refreshing times, but not the status quo in our spiritual lives. They provide us with time to recouperate so when we are faced with difficulties we have the strength to face them. This does not mean the spiritual life of any Christian should lack peace or joy. On the contrary, our spiritual lives will be full of peace and joy provided we keep our eyes on Christ.

The Future of the Extraordinary Form of the Mass?

Here is an interesting media release well worth reading. This is an event worth celebrating and recording when it is aired. Does this have anything to do with Bishop Baker being assigned to Birmingham given Bishop Foley's track record? Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't. Either way, I'm sure Bishop Baker will do as much for Birmingham as he did for Charleston.

Rediscovering Natural Law

During the question and answer session that took place between Pope Benedict XVI and the priests of the Belluno-Feltre and Treviso, Italy Dioceses, the following question was asked:

We are seeing an enormous increase in situations of divorced people who remarry, live together and ask priests to help them with their spiritual life. These people often come to us with a heartfelt plea for access to the sacraments. These realities need to be faced and the sufferings they cause must be shared. Holy Father, may I ask you what are the human, spiritual and pastoral approaches with which one can combine compassion and truth?

Although our Holy Father's answer was relatively brief, I would like to quote only part, the part that spoke to me the loudest, of his answer:

Today, however, this axiom, which holds that man prompted by his nature will make one faithful marriage, has been transformed into a somewhat different axiom. "Volunt contrahere matrimonium sicut ceteri homines". It is no longer nature alone that speaks, but the "ceteri homines": what everyone does. And what everyone does today is not simply to enter into natural marriage, in accordance with the Creator, in accordance with creation. What the "ceteri homines" do is to marry with the idea that one day their marriage might fail and that they will then be able to move on to another one, to a third or even a fourth marriage. This model of what "everyone does" thus becomes one that is contrary to what nature says. In this way, it becomes normal to marry, divorce and remarry, and no one thinks this is something contrary to human nature, or in any case those who do are few and far between. Therefore, to help people achieve a real marriage, not only in the sense of the Church but also of the Creator, we must revive their capacity for listening to nature.

Source: Zenit, The World Seen From Rome

I am quoting this part of his answer, because I have been working an idea that takes the necessity of reteaching or helping people "rediscover" natural for several months now. For the longest time, I thought I was forming a questionable approach so I backed off from that idea. Now that I have heard this from our Papa, I will complete this idea and post it in the near future.

Bishop Robert J. Baker Reassigned

Tuesday morning the announcement came down that Bishop Baker is now the Bishop-elect for the Birmingham diocese. The Birmingham diocese and EWTN seem ecstatic regarding this event while Charleston begins to bid Bishop Baker farewell. Honestly, the handling of this seemed off, at least to me, because nothing was said to the Charleston diocese until after noon our time although the news conference announcement, which included the reason of the announcement, was announced at 5:00 AM. Otherwise, I am sure this is a good move for the Diocese of Birmingham and I trust our Holy Father to provide our Diocese with a good Bishop. Currently, there are ten vacant sees in the United States; Little Rock has been vacant since May 2006. As a result, it is obvious we are in for wait, but all good things take time. May Christ prepare the heart of our future Bishop to meet the needs of the faithful. May he be supportive of our priests, the extraordinary form of the Mass, and encourage all vocations. Pray for us, the Diocese of Charleston, Bishop Baker, and the Diocese of Birmingham.

Are we maintaining our Catholic identity?

As Catholics, especially within the United States, are we truly striving to maintain our Catholic identity? Given the secular direction of modern society, I would say no without hesitation. The proof, or reasons, behind this answer is the all too popular phrase, "I am personally "pro-life", but "pro-choice" when it comes to other." Another issue arises with the state of Mass -- where we all too often show up in short shorts or otherwise appearing as if our decision to attend Mass is an afterthought. In all actuality, all of these issues are only the outward expression of other problems within our Church that are also evident through our lack of evangelical outreach. Too often we want to quietly witness to others, but too often this is often an excuse not to live our faith in a vivid manner or to neglect our Christian calling. As Catholics, we are called to love others with an evangelical love that wants them to come to Christ so they can experience the forgiveness of sins provided by his death and the graces provided to us through the sacraments. Instead, what are we doing today? Our Mass has been reworded within the past forty years so that the memorial nature instead of sacrificial nature of the Mass is lost. We make agreements such as this:

The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils is offering to open school halls to accommodate the thousands of young people who will converge on Sydney for the July 2008 celebration. The Islamic group may also help organize sporting events involving both Christian and Muslim participants, and welcome Christian pilgrims to visit local mosques. According to the Morning Herald report, Church officials have promised that Catholic leaders "will not try to convert members of other religious denominations taking part in inter-faith forums and volunteering facilities." Organizers of World Youth Day in Sydney had issued an invitation for other religious groups to join in the planning and participate in the celebration. The Islamic group responded positively, saying that the event could help "break down barriers" in Australia. Source: Catholic World News

At a meeting last week in Toulouse, France-- co-hosted by the World Council of Churches and the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue-- a group of 30 representatives from different Christian groups began the work of elaborating a code of conduct that would be acceptable to all Christian bodies. The group plans to continue that work, with the goal of producing an accord within the next 3 years. The challenge addressed by speakers at the meeting in Toulouse was to define the difference between energetic evangelization (which all the groups endorse) and "sheep-stealing" campaigns to lure believers from other congregations. The speakers agreed that Christians should not denigrate the faith of other Christian groups. Source: Catholic World News

Why do we want non-Catholics volunteering at Catholic events with the stipulation that we will not attempt to evangelize them? Why do we need an international organization of Churches telling us how to evangelize? Frankly, any problems that exist with evangelization can be solved by our Church and us as individuals striving for the Charity that Christ calls us to. In order to achieve this, we must pray and seek Christ's will not enter into pacts and agreements that dictate if, when, or how we should evangelize. The truth and humility that comes with Charity will prevent unorthodox actions that can harm others. We, as Catholics, should not be ashamed to be Christ followers. We should be burning with the desire to share our faith with others so that they can come to know, love, and accept Christ into their lives through the Catholic Church. Does this mean we have to force our faith down a person's throat? Of course not! This is where Charity and respect come into play. If we know and believe our faith, we will express this through our actions and words. We can respect a person's decision to belong to another faith while still proclaiming that the Catholic Church is the One True Church. By speaking of our beliefs openly and praying for all non-Catholics that they may come to know Christ through the Catholic Church. We should encourage questions and continually encourage others to come to Christ by inviting them to participate in our faith. We can do this with Charity and respect, but not by agreeing to refrain from evangelism or proselytism.

Here we go again...

This blog has been on a roller coaster ride that has been on a steady downward slope this year as I have settled in my new job, hired an assistant, and explored where I am being called spiritually. When Christ calls, one's attention becomes very narrow, because one only wants to do HIS will and the extras seem unimportant. Blogging came to a stand still, because I did not know what to say. Mindless posts were posted from time to time in an attempt to keep this blog alive, but these posts, although fun, did not send an appropriate message given my state in life. This time I will attempt to revive this blog, again, while remain focused on the important things in life. Sometimes, posts will be theological in nature or focused on the direction of our beloved Church. At other times, the focus will be current events especially those that deal with women and families.

Over the past couple of months, I have found I have three major concerns: Church theology, the extraordinary form of the Mass, and the state of spiritual neglect and poverty most modern women and children live in. The fact that strikes me closest to home is that our young women and girls are learning to sell themselves and their sexuality in the name of "respect" although true respect is lacking. Modern society is focused on what is the easiest, feels the best, or looks the best. Our souls automatically seek Christ, but in today's society we tend to fill that void that Christ should fill with sex, relationships, and drugs.

I pray that I will be shown how to enlighten and inform in a manner that is true to Christ's will. If you share my concerns, please check back to see where things are going. This blog will remain an obscure place on the web, because I am doing this for Christ not myself. As Christ wills, I pray those who need to read, experience, or support that is offered by this blog will find their way here.

I hope to see you around! PAX!